4. 致歉信

　　June 5, 2005

　　Dear Mr. London,

　　I am writing to express my regret that I was unable to keep my engagement to meet you in the office. I fear you are displeased at my failing to keep my promise, but I trust you will forgive me. Let me explain. My mother suddenly fell sick early this morning, and I had to send her to the hospital.

　　I shall be obliged if you will kindly write and tell me when and where we can meet again. I hope to see you soon.

　　Yours sincerely,

　　John Smith

　　(1) 致歉信是寫信人因失約等給收信人帶來不便，表示道歉和請求諒解的信函。致歉信中首先要充分體現寫信人的誠懇態度，盡可能照顧到收信人的感受，并能使其接受;其次要具體，詳細說明道歉的原因，譬如自己被迫不能踐約或一時過失所造成的后果。最后，再次對給收信人帶來的不便說聲抱歉，并可提出補救的建議。

　　首段：開門見山，表示誠懇的道歉。

　　主體：具體寫明道歉的原因。

　　結尾：再次表示歉意，可提出補救措施。

　　(2) 常用套語

　　開頭句：

　　 I am writing to express my regret that...

　　 I am excessively sorry to say that…

　　 Please accept my sincere apology for ...

　　 Much to my regret, I was unable to…

　　結尾句：

　　 Please allow me to say sorry again.

　　 Once again, I am sorry for any inconvenience caused.

　　 Hope you can accept my apologies and understand my situation.

　　 I sincerely hope that you will be able to think in my position and accept my apologies.

　　[范文]

　　June 15, 2005

　　Dear Al,

　　Much to my regret, I have to cancel our trip to Tibet at the last minute. I understand you have put so much work into arranging this party.

　　I felt very bad about having to fly to Beijing to attend an urgent business meeting there. I hope this bouquet of flowers can do a little to make up for the disappointment.

　　Once again, I am sorry for any inconvenience caused. I think we can visit sometime in autumn this year.

　　Yours,

　　Jane